Golf target



A. J. HENDRY June 27, 1967 GOLF TARGET 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Feb. 17, 1964 jzzlezz ior. Jflafsoa 072w June 27, 1967 A. J. HENDRY 3,328,033

GOLF TARGET Filed Feb. 17, 1964 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 15606 or. a Jlzdaom d /ewfl A. J. HENDRY June 27, 1967 GOLF TARGET 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Feb. 17, 1964 United States Patent 3,328,033 GOLF TARGET Adoniram I. Hendry, 520 North Ave, Lake Bluff, Ill. 60044 Filed Feb. 17, 1964,. Ser. No. 345,447 10 Claims. (Cl. 273-182) The invention relates generally to a device for use in the game of golf, and more particularly to a practice and amusement device.

The invention is particularly directed to a device which may be used for practice to improve the players game and at the same time presents a competitive scoring incentive which relieves the drudgery of practice and enables competitive play by a plurality of players.

The invention has among its objects the production of a golf game for practice and pleasure which involves the use of an adjustable target structure into which the ball way be hit and designed to provide for an indication of accuracy which may be employed to that of a regular game of golf, enabling the use of a similar score card enabling competition to practice. Thus the game may employ a scoring plan using the same scoring arrangements involving pars, birdies, eagles, bogies, holes in one, etc.

Another object of the invention is the production of such a device which is readily adjustable and capable of being inclined to accommodate a complete range of clubs, thus giving the player a choice of club and in effect approximating typical playing shots insofar as distance, trajectory, etc.

A further object of the invention is the production of a device which not only is effective for practice purposes but which has sufiicient playing novelty to make it attractive for party and game use, etc.

Many other objects and advantages of the construction herein shown and described will be obvious to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein given.

In the drawings, wherein like reference characters indicate like or corresponding parts:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device embodying the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view taken approximately on the line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a portion of the structure taken approximately on the line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken approximately on the line 4-4 of FIG. 3; and

FIG. 5 is a vertical sectional view of the lower portion of the device, seen substantially as illustrated in FIG. 2, but illustrating the use of the device for putting purposes.

The present invention contemplates the use of a device having an adjustable prime target positioned in front of a main back drop into which the ball is driven so that the prime target will be on line with the normal ball flight trajectory of the club to be used. The prime target can be adjusted up and down by the player according to his judgment of the fli ht trajectory to be followed by the ball when properly struck with clubs of varying loft. The prime target may be provided with a suitable net backing so that when the ball is driven into the prime target area it is retained in the net. A further target may be associated with the prime target, and similarly constructed, the latter, for example, being employed to designate a hole in one. A ball which does not hit the prime or hole in one, targets or becomes lodged in the backing will fall into a trough which may be utilized for return purposes or for use in an additional game or incentive arrangement. In the embodiment illustrated the trough is so arranged that the balls may be discharged through the trough from any one of several openings onto a scoring area which is so arranged that the ball may assume any one of a plurality of positions through the element of chance, whereby there is an equal opportunity with respect to this feature of the device for the less expert player to successfully compete with the expert. Provision is also made for utilizing the playing board or area in connection with the putting of balls, thus giving equal opportunity with substantially every club.

Referring to the drawings and more particularly to FIG. 1, the reference numeral 1 indicates generally a frame structure constructed to suitably support a prime target member 2 and a backdrop member 3. The frame structure also is adapted to support a trough indicated generally by the numeral 4 into which balls, striking the backdrop, may fall, and disposed therebelow a playing board or area 5 which is adapted to receive balls falling into the trough 4.

The target member 2 is provided with an opening 6 therein behind which may be disposed a second target member 7 having a smaller hole 8 therein, or there may be two or more separate targets with holes of varying size. As more clearly illustrated in FIG. 2, mounted on the target 2 is a suitable receptacle 9 which may be formed of net or other suitable material arranged to receive and retain balls passing through the opening 6. The auxiliary target 7 preferably is secured adjacent its upper edge to the target 2 and is wholly disposed within the bag or net 9 so that balls striking the target '7 may drop in and be retained in the net 9. Carried by the auxiliary target 7 is a smaller net or bag 11 which is operatively disposed behind the opening 8 whereby balls passing through the latter will be retained in the net 11, and thus, for example, indicate a hole in one.

T he practice structure The frame structure 1 is formed from suitable tubular stock, the various elements being secured to one another by tubular clamp members, T-fittings and the like, whereby the structure may be readily adjusted as well as knocked down for transporting and storage purposes.

The frame structure 1 comprises a pair of tubular uprights 12 connected at their top and bottom ends by generally horizontally extending cross members 13 and 14 which are secured to the adjacent ends of the uprights by suitable fittings 15 illustrated as being of generally T-shape, each having a socket portion 16 into which the adjacent end of the upright 12 may extend and a cross portion 17 through which the cross member 13 or 14 may extend. In the construction illustrated, the fittings 15 may be suitably formed from sheet material or the like folded to provide oppositely disposed sections or halves which may be clamped together by a bolt 18 passing therethrough and secured by a wing nut 19 operative to apply compression forces to the opposite halves of the fitting and thereby clamp both of the tubular elements received therein in assembled relation. Assuming that the bolt 18 extends through the portion of the fitting adapted to receive the adjacent end of an associated upright 12, such end of the tube may be either slotted or provided with a hole through which the bolt 18 may extend.

The lower cross member 14 is adapted to be supported in relatively fixed position by a base structure, illustrated r as comprising a pair of standards 21, each having a horizontally extending base portion 22 and a generally vertical upright portion 23 rigidly supported by the base portion and constructed at their upper ends to receive and retain the cross member 14, the construction illustrated employing notches 24 in the top end of each upright 23 of a size to receive the cross member 14 which is retained in position by suitable means such as U-shape strap 25 secured in place by suitable means such as a bolt 26 and wing nut 27. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the uprights may be provided at their lower ends with suitable shanks 28 adapted to be snugly received in complemental bores in the base member 22, whereby the members may be assembled in rigid relationship and disassembled when desired.

Referring to FIG. 2, it will be noted that the connection between the cross member 14 and the base members 21 permits the frame 1 to be pivoted about the axis of the cross member 14, whereby the frame member may assume various degrees of inclination, two of which are illustrated in broken lines in FIG. 2. The frame 1 is adapted to be retained in any of its adjusted positions by means of brace members 29, each adjustably connected to an upright 12 by a suitable clamp fitting 31 to which the adjacent end of the associated brace member is pivotally connected by means of a bolt 32 and cooperable wing nut 33 which serves the double function of clamping the fitting 31 to the associated upright and locking the brace member 29 in rigid relationship with respect to the fitting and the upright. The lower end of each brace member 29 is adapted to be suitably engaged with the associated mem ber 22 of each base structure, such connection comprising a plurality of longitudinally spaced recesses or sockets 34 formed in the members 22 and adapted to receive the lower end of the associated brace member 29. Thus, by adjustment of the lower end of the brace member with respect to the associated member 22 and if desirable, suitable adjustment of the upper end of each brace member along the associated upright 12, the frame structure may be disposed in any one of an infinite number of positions between that illustrated in FIG. 2 and the lowermost position illustrated in dotted lines therein.

The backdrop 3 is adapted to be suitably carried in the frame 1, as for example, by means of tie loops or connections 35, illustrated as extending through suitable means such as eyelets 36 adjacent each corner of the backdrop and secured to ears or lugs 37 formed on the fitting 15, whereby the backdrop may be more or less loosely tensioned in the frame 1. The arrangement preferably is such that the backdrop will have some resilience or give when struck by a ball to break the impact force and permit the ball to drop downwardly along the backdrop.

The prime target 2 is adapted to be supported in front of the backdrop 3, preferably spaced therefrom and is illustrated as supported from its four corners by cords or lines 38 suitably secured to the corners of the target, as for example, by passing the same through grommets or the like, each cord extending diagonally from the target and connected to a stationary portion of the device which are illustrated as comprising tubular wing portions 39 integrally formed from the stock comprising the cross members 13 and 14. As will be apparent from a reference to FIG. 3, the wing portions 39 may extend to an angle of approximately forty-five degrees with respect to the axis of the associated cross member, whereby they extend both laterally and forwardly from the plane of the frame structure 1. Each of the wing portions is suitably constructed for receiving the attachment of the target 2 thereto which are in the form of a plurality of holes 41 extending through the portions 39 and adapted to receive rigid elements 43 which may be of more or less hooklike formation and provided at their free ends with an eye to which the adjacent end of the cord 38 may be secured.

The fittings preferably are so constructed that the cross members 13 and 14 may be releasably clamped in operating position thereby, enabling the cross members and thus the wing portions 39 to be rotated about the axis of the intermediate portion of each cross member, thereby permitting a wide range of adjustment of the wing portions 39 relative to the plane of the frame 1. Each of the wing portions 39 preferably is provided with a plurality of holes 41 enabling an adjustment of the distance between the target 2 and the backdrop 3 which may also be facilitated by varying the length of the connecting cords 38 to permit a change in adjustment between the upper and lower wing portions as well as a corresponding adjustment of the target 2.

The second target 7 may be suitably fastened to the target 2 by stitching or other suitable means, if desired employing the same connecting means for the target 7 as for the net or bag 9, the target 7 preferably being secured only along its upper edge to the target 2, whereby the body of the target 7 is free to pivot inwardly under the impact of a ball striking the same and thus permit such ball to drop into the net bag 9. However, if the ball enters the opening 8 in the target 7 it will be retained in the net bag 11 carried thereby, such bag being secured about its periphery to the target 7 by any suitable means, as for example, stitching, etc.

The game structure The trough 4 is adapted to be supported in horizontal position by suitable means such as a pair of horizontally extending supporting rods 44 and 45 which may extend through channels 4-6 in the longitudinal edges of the trough and provided with down-turned terminal portions 47 adapted to extend through openings 41 in th lower wing portions 39. The trough may be made of any suitable material, as for example, the same material comprising the backdrop 3, and formed with the end walls 48 which prevent balls dropping into the trough from being discharged from the ends thereof. To facilitate reception of balls hitting the backdrop 3 or target 2 into the trough 4, the lower portion of the backdrop 3 may be provided with .a downwardly extending flap 49 which is permitted to fall into the trough as clearly illustrated in FIG, 4.

The bottom of the trough 4 is provided with a plurality of openings 51 therein of a size to readily permit of a golf ball to pass therethrough, the construction illustrated in FIG. 1 of the drawings employing six such openings.

The game or scoring board 5 may be supported in an inclined position as illustrated in the drawings by suitable means, a simple construction being illustrated wherein the lower edge of the board 5 may be seated in either one of a plurality of notches or channels 52 formed in the horizontal members 22 of the base members, the upper edge portion of the board resting against the uprights 23. The provision of a plurality of grooves 52 in each of the members 22 permits an adjustment in the inclination of the board 5 as will be apparent from a comparison of the adjustment of the board 5 in FIG. 5 with that of FIGS. 1 and 2.

The board 5 is provided with a plurality of pegs 53 extending outwardly therefrom which are longitudinally spaced a sufficient distance apart to permit a golf ball to readily pass therebetween, the pegs being arranged in horizontally extending rows, the pegs of one row being staggered with respect to the pegs of an adjacent row, thereby forming a plurality of paths for the descent of a. ball. from the top of the board to the bottom thereof, depending how the ball chances to hit the pegs and be deflected one from the other, so that the ball has no definite prefixed path across the board. The pins in the last or bottom row preferably are so spaced or proportioned, or other means may be provided whereby the ball will e retained on the board.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the ball positions at the bottom of the board may be suitably labeled, as for example, with standard golf score designations as par, birdie, eagle, bogie, etc.

If desired, the upper portion of the game board may be protected by a suitable wire netting 54 which may be provided with side portions or walls 55, the free edges of which are suitably secured to the corresponding edges of the board 5, thus protecting the upper portion of the board from damage by a misdirected ball.

The game board may also be used in connection with putting practice by providing a suitable ramp member 56 which is formed at its upper end with a downwardly extending portion or flange 57 adapted to seat and be supported by a plurality of the pegs 53, the flange 57 being connected to the ramp portion 56 by an intermediate portion 58 which has an inclination which approximates that of the pins 53 when the board 5 is suitably disposed as illustrated in FIG. 5 so that a ball may be putted up the ramp and drop between pegs of the horizontally extending row and be thereby retained in the position illustrated in FIG. 5.

In the event the device is to be used only for practice, if desired the board 5 may be reversed to present the smooth face thereof and will act as an incline down which the balls may roll in effect forming a ball return device. In this connection a ramp similar to the ramp 56 could be employed to provide a transition incline between the board 5 and the horizontal floor surface, which ramp could be provided with a flange similar to the flange 57 adapted to engage a plurality of pegs 53 extending from the smooth face of the board.

It will be appreciated that the adjustability of the frame structure and thus the backdrop and target members enables the disposition of the device for receiving almost any kind of a shot whereby the main or prime target is on a proper line with the normal ball flight trajectory resulting from the club used and thus enables its use for chip shots and the like as well as the longer clubs. Likewise, the use of the main target 2 and auxiliary target 7 and the retention of the balls passing through either of the openings 6 or 8 enable the user to readily keep track of the number of balls which enter the openings and preclude duplicate scoring in the auxiliary scoring area.

The use of the game features of the board makes it a particularly interesting club house feature as well as imparts a comparative feature to what might otherwise be more or less tedious practice and the element of chance involved in the action of the ball on the game board provides an equalizing factor between the good and the poor player, giving the latter substantially equal opportunity to score on the board.

It will be appreciated that as the various elements of the device are either interlocked or clamped in place, the device may be readily disassembled or knocked down for storage purposes, whereby the overall bulk of the device may be materially reduced.

It will be appreciated from the above description that I have provided a golf practice and amusement device which may be readily adjusted to positions for the usage of different clubs and which is relatively simple in construction, eflicient in operation and relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

Having thus described my invention, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various immaterial modifications may be made in the same without departing from the spirit of my invention; hence I do not wish to be understood as limiting myself to the exact form, construction, arrangement and combination of parts herein shown and described, or uses mentioned.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A golf practice and game device comprising a frame structure having a pair of spaced tubular uprights, a pair of spaced cross members connecting said uprights, and defining a ball receiving area, a pliable back drop extending across said area forming a ball striking surface, a base structure for supporting said frame structure, means pivotally connecting said frame structure to said base structure whereby the former may be angularly adjusted with respect to the horizontal, means for supporting said frame structure in any of its angular positions of adjustment, a main target member comprising a sheet of pliable material, having a target opening therein, means for supporting said target member in generally planar relation in front of and spaced from said backdrop, a secondary target member comprising a sheet of pliable material disposed behind and extending across said opening and having a smaller target opening therein, means disposed behind said secondary target member for retaining a ball entering the main target member opening, but missing the secondary target opening, and further means disposed behind said secondary target member opening for retaining a ball entering the same, said frame structure, backdrop, main and secondary target members being angularly adjustable as a unit with respect to the horizontal, a trough disposed below said backdrop for receiving balls striking the backdrop or main target member, a plurality of openings in the bottom of said trough of a size to pass a ball therethrough, a score board disposed below said trough and adapted to receive balls passing through the openings therein, said board having means adjacent the bottom thereof, for retaining a ball thereon, ball deflecting means carried by said board and disposed intermediate said ball retaining means thereon and said trough for effecting chance deflection of balls received on said board, into any one of a plurality of paths.

2. A golf practice and game device as defined in claim 1, wherein said ball deflecting means comprises a plurality of spaced pegs extending transversely to said board.

3. A golf practice and game device as defined in claim 1, comprising in further combination, a putting ramp cooperable with said scoreboard for directing putted balls thereto.

4. A golf practice and game device, as defined in claim 1, comprising in further combination a ramp member cooperable with said board for returning balls entering the trough to the driving area.

5. A golf practice and game device, as defined in claim 1, wherein said main target member supporting means comprise wing members formed by extensions of said cross members, to which wing members the main target is operatively connected.

6. A golf practice and game device, as defined in claim 5, wherein said main target member is adjustably supported by connecting cords.

7. A golf practice and game device comprising a frame structure having a pair of spaced tubular uprights, a pair of spaced cross members connecting said uprights and defining a ball receiving area, a pliable back drop extending across said area forming a ball striking area, a base structure for supporting said frame structure, means pivotally connecting said frame structure to said base structure whereby the former and said back drop may be angularly adjusted with respect to the horizontal, means for supporting said frame structure in any of its angular positions of adjustment, a main target member comprising a sheet of pliable material, having a target opening therein, means for supporting said target member in generally planar relation in front of and spaced from said backdrop, a secondary target member comprising a sheet of pliable material disposed in generally planar relation behind and extending across said opening and having a smaller target opening therein, means disposed behind said secondary target member opening for retaining a ball entering the main target member opening but missing the secondary target member opening, and further means disposed behind said secondary target member opening for retaining a ball entering the same, a trough disposed below said backdrop for receiving balls striking the backdrop or main target member, a plurality of openings in the bottom of said trough of a size to pass a ball therethrough, and a scoreboard disposed below said trough and adapted to receive balls passing through the openings therein.

8. A golf practice and game device comprising a frame structure defining a ball receiving area, a pliable back drop extending across said area forming a ball striking surface, a base structure for supporting said frame structure, a main target member comprising a sheet of pliable material, having a target opening therein, means for supporting said target member in generally planar relation in front of and spaced from said backdrop, a secondary target member comprising a sheet of pliable material disposed behind and extending across said opening and having a smaller target opening therein, means disposed behind said secondary target member opening for retaining a ball entering the main target member opening but missing the secondary target member opening, and further means disposed behind said secondary target member opening for retaining a ball entering the same.

9. A golf practice and game device comprising a pliable back drop forming a ball striking surface, means for supporting said back drop in operative position, a main target member comprising a sheet of pliable material, having a target opening therein, means for supporting said target member in generally planar relation in front of and spaced from said back drop, a secondary target member comprising a sheet of pliable material disposed behind and extending across said opening and having a smaller target opening therein, means disposed behind said secondary target member opening for retaining a ball entering the main target member opening but missing the secondary target member opening, and further means disposed behind said secondary target member opening for retaining a ball entering the same, a trough disposed below said back drop for receiving balls striking the back drop or main target member, a plurality of openings in the bottom of said trough of a size to pass a ball therethrough, a scoreboard disposed below said trough and adapted to receive balls passing through the openings therein, said board having means adjacent the bottom thereof, for retaining a ball thereon, ball deflecting means carried by said board and disposed intermediate said ball retaining means thereon and said trough for effecting chance deflection of balls received on said board, into any one of a plurality of paths.

10. A golf practice and game device comprising a pliable back drop forming a ball striking surface, a means for supporting said back drop in operative position, a main target member comprising a sheet of pliable material, having a target opening therein, means for supporting said target member in generally planar relation in front of and spaced from said back drop, a secondary target member comprising a sheet of pliable material disposed behind and extending across said opening and having a smaller target opening therein, means disposed behind said secondary target member opening for retaining a ball entering the main target member opening but missing the secondary target member opening, and further means disposed behind said secondary target member opening for retaining a ball entering the same.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 858,990 7/1907 Kemper 273 X 1,043,308 11/1912 Everson 273103 X 1,923,152 8/1933 Kohn 273105 X 1,965,838 7/1934 Hofflund 273-182 2,059,365 11/1936 King a 27326.1 2,232,569 2/1941 Johnson 273182 2,326,859 8/1943 Hoover 273103 FOREIGN PATENTS 104,920 5/ 1963 Netherlands.

RICHARD C. PINKHAM, Primary Examiner.

G. J. MARLO, L. J. BOUASSO, Assistant Examiners. 

10. A GOLF PRACTICE AND GAME DEVICE COMPRISING A PLIABLE BACK DROP FORMING A BALL STRIKING SURFACE, A MEANS FOR SUPPORTING SAID BACK DROP IN OPERATIVE POSITION, A MAIN TARGET MEMBER COMPRISING A SHEET OF PLIABLE MATERIAL, HAVING A TARGET OPENING THEREIN, MEANS FOR SUPPORTING SAID TARGET MEMBER IN GENERALLY PLANAR RELATION IN FRONT OF AND SPACED FROM SAID BACK DROP, A SECONDARY TARGET MEMBER COMPRISING A SHEET OF PLIABLE MATERIAL DISPOSED BEHIND AND EXTENDING ACROSS SAID OPENING SAID HAVING A SMALLER TARGET OPENING THEREIN, MEANS DISPOSED BEHIND SAID SECONDARY TARGET MEMBER OPENING FOR RE- 